 Dear Neighbors,
As the Vice Chair of the RRA and a longtime transit advocate, I want to voice my strong support for the All-Abilities 2050 Transportation Plan, especially its clear commitment to prioritizing people over cars.
For too long, transportation planning has centered on moving vehicles quickly, often at the expense of safety, equity, and access. This plan finally flips that model. It puts pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users first. That's the shift we need. We want a truly livable community is one where people of all ages and abilities can move safely and comfortably, whether they walk, roll, bike, or take transit.
I’m encouraged that this plan recognizes the need for inclusive infrastructure and bold investment in transit and non-car options because this is more than transportation. It’s about dignity, climate responsibility, and public health. It’s about making sure our seniors, our youth, our essential workers, and our neighbors with disabilities aren’t treated like second-class citizens in our public spaces.
I urge you to stay true to the plan’s values. Together, we will work together to ensure it is not watered down with car-centric compromises. We will prioritize bus lanes, wider sidewalks, safer crossings, and protected bike infrastructure, even when it’s politically hard. Let’s build a Ramsey County where everyone, not just drivers, can thrive and get where they need to go.
In solidarity,
Mai Chong Xiong
 Whether you prefer to connect face-to-face or from the comfort of your home, we’re here to meet you where you are. If our scheduled times don’t work for you, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to find a time that does.
There will be no office hours on July 3 and 4.
Sign-up here!
 In the last week of May, I had the opportunity to proclaim Mental Health Awareness Month in Ramsey County. Together with community, we celebrated and shared resources about mental health at the Wellness in the Park event at the Phalen Recreation Center, located within District 6.
One in eight Minnesota residents struggle with a mental health diagnosis each year. Thank you to the staff, food truck vendors, artists, and community members for showing up to prioritize and destigmatize mental health support.
Read more here.
The Saint Paul Children’s Collaborative board includes members from a group of partner organizations, youth, and community members, as required by the Minnesota Statute that governs Family Service Collaboratives.
This year, one of SPCC's grantees, Breakthrough, faced abrupt losses of federal funds that would have resulted in the end of AmeriCorps programming for Saint Paul Public School students.
SPCC voted to grant up to $50,000 to assist Breakthrough in bridging the unexpected funding gap and ensuring continuity of their AmeriCorps programming through the end of the school year. This emergency support reflects SPCC’s commitment to educational equity and to the well-being of Saint Paul youth, especially during moments of uncertainty.
The All Hands on Deck (AHOD) initiative started in response to the growing demand for public assistance in Ramsey County. With nearly 30% of residents relying on Medical Assistance and 12% on SNAP, the need for timely and effective service has never been greater. Ongoing backlogs made it clear that improvements were needed. AHOD was launched as a series of focused 90-day sprints to tackle these challenges head-on and make measurable progress in how we connect residents to the services they depend on.
AHOD is continuing to make steady progress in improving how we serve residents through Financial Assistance Services (FAS).
Faster Access to Food Support
We’ve made major strides in getting food benefits to residents more quickly. Since last summer, regular SNAP processing improved and we've expedited applications.
Quicker Intake Process
Applications are now being assigned within one day of when they’re received. That means residents are connected to support faster than ever.
Improved Call-Backs Through Operation Return Call
In May, we launched a pilot to return more resident phone calls by using trained staff. They’ve gone through key training and started making return calls on May 23.
Hiring to Meet Community Needs
Since November 2024, we’ve hired 81 new workers for FAS. As of June 1, 76 of them remain on staff. This is the lowest vacancy rate we’ve had in years. We welcomed 19 new staff in March, 8 more in May, and another 10 are starting in June. A final group of 10 to 15 will begin in August.
Better Updates for Applicants
Residents who apply through MNbenefits can now get confirmation messages by text or email. These messages have been updated with clearer language and a direct link to local food resources. Since the pilot began last July, over 90% of applicants have signed up to receive these updates.
Learn more about Ramsey County's All-Hands-On-Deck initiative.
 Sneak peek! We’re getting ready to open the new Downtown Service Center on June 16. The redesigned space will offer more seating, a better check-in experience, and printed tickets to help manage flow. Housing Stability is joining as a new on-site partner and will help residents connect to services like coordinated entry, housing navigation, emergency shelter, and more.
The Saint Paul Children's Collaborative plans to award approximately $2 million to community organizations targeting services to young people experiencing gaps in opportunities and outcomes included in our Youth Outcomes Plan.
The average grant amount in previous years was approximately $115,000 total over a two-year grant period, but SPCC does not have a minimum or maximum grant amount. Grant funds may only be used to support direct services to young people and families living in Saint Paul.
Deadline is 5:00 p.m. CST on Friday, July 11, 2025.
Our Work: Grant-Making - Saint Paul Children's Collaborative
Soil Testing & Healthy Homes Expo
Save the date! Join us on July 15 at the East Side YMCA for the Soil Testing & Healthy Homes Expo! In partnership with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), we are organizing a Soil Screening, Health, Outreach, and Partnership (SoilSHOP) event this summer. Residents will be able to bring soil from their gardens or yards to be tested for lead, free of charge. Stay tuned for more details.
Accessing Arcade Street during Construction
Yes, Arcade Street is currently under construction, but businesses remain open and accessible!
We recognize that road work can make travel more difficult, and we appreciate your patience and continued support. Local businesses and services are still here for you, and your efforts to visit and support them during this time mean a great deal.
Here’s how you can stay connected and plan your visit:
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Call the location for assistance or personalized directions
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Check current road closures at 511mn.org
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Sign up for project updates at MnDOT’s webpage: mndot.gov/metro/projects/e7th-arcade
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Use nearby side streets for parking and access in closure areas
Thank you for showing up for our local businesses and neighbors. Your commitment helps keep our community strong through every phase of improvement.
Seeking Volunteers for Ramsey County Advisory Boards and Committees
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners is currently seeking individuals to serve on various advisory boards and committees.
Details about these opportunities are listed below. Interested applicants may apply online. View more information and access online application.
Community Health Services Advisory Committee (CHSAC)
Community Health Services Advisory Committee advises the Ramsey County Board and the Saint Paul City Council on public health programs and services, actively participates in policy development, determining community health needs and engages in public health advocacy.
For questions regarding CHSAC, please contact Cathy St.Michel.
Ramsey County Charter Commission
- 1 vacancy for each of the following districts: District 2, District 4, District 6, and District 7.
The Charter Commission is a 17-member body responsible for maintaining Ramsey County's Home Rule Charter.
The charter is like the constitution for county government, spelling out its duties and responsibilities. Ramsey County is the only one of Minnesota's 87 counties to be governed by home rule - all others are governed by state laws.
The commission's duty is to periodically review the charter and propose necessary amendments and recommends proposals from the public. The commission has the authority to submit proposed amendments to an election.
For questions about the Ramsey County Charter Commission, please contact Chief Clerk.
Click here to apply today!
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